Newly sworn in Minister for Health and Wellness Senator Mary Isaac wasted no time in getting down to business as she reported to work on Wednesday June 15th just hours after being officially sworn in. The Minister, while not yet being officially introduced to staff, exchanged pleasantries with a number of familiar faces having herself worked in the public service for quite some time.
Senator Isaac spoke about some of her expectations for her new portfolio. “Well I am very excited about it. I think it’s going to be very challenging and I love a challenge. I have seen a lot of familiar faces and that makes me feel right at home.”
Minister of Health Mary Isaac (right).
She also outlined a few of the major plans and projects she will tackle during her stint.
“I am hoping we will be able to finalise a lot of the projects that have already started. We have, for instance, the new hospital. I am hoping we will be able to move to the new hospital because I know that the Victoria Hospital is in a deplorable state. I also hope that we can bring St. Jude Hospital on board so that we can move out of the stadium and give the stadium back to the sports people, and a few of those things that are already in the pipeline that we really need to conclude.”
Senator Isaac hopes for a very amicable relationship with staff of the Ministry of Health and Wellness as they get to know her, her personality and plans for the ministry.
“I am a very down-to-earth person. I am a people person. I like the one-on-one. As I said, I already know a lot of the staff and I hope we can just continue the type of relationship that I already have with them. I don’t really like this stuck-up Minister sought of thing. So I think as we get more comfortable with each other then we will decide on the way forward; even how I am called and that sought of thing.”
The Minister met with her Deputy and Permanent Secretary, Cointha Thomas, for a brief overview of the work currently being undertaken by the Ministry.
